Keshod history

The history of the city of Keshod is closely interwoven with the rich past of the Saurashtra region in the state of Gujarat. Although the exact date of the settlement's founding is shrouded in the centuries, it is known that this territory developed for a long time within the orbit of influence of the Junagadh princely state, serving as an important local centre in the west of India.

Foundation and Development

Keshod formed as a trading and agricultural settlement connecting the coastal areas with the interior of the peninsula. Its historical significance rose sharply in the first half of the 20th century, when the city became a focus of attention for the region's rulers who sought to modernize their domains.

Key Factors of Formation

Several strategic and geographical factors contributed to Keshod's transformation into a notable city:

• Political Will and Aviation: The Nawabs of Junagadh played a decisive role in the city's history. In the 1930s, an airport was built here on the initiative of ruler Mahabat Khan III. It was one of the first airfields in the region, originally created for the needs of the royal family, which gave the city a special status and stimulated infrastructure development.
• Geography and Climate: Its location on fertile lands near the coast of the Arabian Sea (yet at a safe distance from storms) created ideal conditions for living and agriculture.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The city's economic foundation has historically relied on agriculture. Thanks to a favourable climate, the city's surroundings became a centre for growing groundnuts and mangoes, while the settlement itself turned into a bustling market for farmers from the entire district.

The cultural way of life in the early period was shaped by the traditions of Gujarat and Saurashtra, where entrepreneurship and trade were always revered, and social life was built around seasonal fairs and religious festivals.

Development Chronology

The history of the city of Keshod is inextricably linked with political changes in the region and the development of transport infrastructure. Below are the key dates that defined the modern appearance of the city.

• 1930s: On the initiative of the Nawab of Junagadh, Mahabat Khan III, Keshod Airport is built, becoming one of the first aviation hubs in this part of the country.
• 1947–1948: After India gained independence, the city, along with the princely state of Junagadh, undergoes the process of integration into the Indian Union.
• 1949: The territory officially becomes part of the State of Saurashtra (United State of Kathiawar).
• 1960: As a result of administrative reform and the division of Bombay State, the city becomes part of the newly formed state of Gujarat.
• 2022: A large-scale reconstruction of the airport terminal is completed and regular commercial flights are resumed, giving a new impulse to tourism development in the region.

Main Development Milestones

The evolution of the city of Keshod represents a journey from a small trading settlement to an important transport and agro-industrial hub of the region. The key stages of its formation determined the city's modern economic and cultural character.

• Construction of the Airport (1930s): The appearance of the airfield on the initiative of the Nawabs of Junagadh was a turning point. This event not only ensured the prestige of the city but also laid the foundation for its future role as the transport gateway of the Saurashtra region.
• Integration into the Railway Network: Connecting to the railway line linking Rajkot, Junagadh, and Veraval gave a powerful boost to trade. This allowed local producers to efficiently transport agricultural produce to markets throughout India.
• Emergence as a Groundnut Processing Centre: Thanks to the fertile soils of the surroundings, the city turned into one of the key hubs for the trade and processing of groundnuts (peanuts). The construction of oil mills and processing plants formed the industrial framework of the economy.
• Administrative Establishment in Gujarat State (1960): Joining the new state contributed to the unification of legislation and an influx of investment into infrastructure, which accelerated urbanization and population growth.
• Development of the Educational Sphere: The opening of colleges and educational institutions in the second half of the 20th century turned the city into a local educational centre, attracting students from nearby villages and towns.
• Modernisation of the Air Terminal (2022): Large-scale reconstruction of the terminal and the resumption of regular flights returned the status of a strategic transport hub to the city, serving tourists heading to the Somnath Temple and Gir National Park.

Architectural Appearance and Stages of Development

The architecture of the city of Keshod represents an example of pragmatic urban planning characteristic of the trade and agrarian centres of Gujarat state. Unlike cities with rich colonial or ancient heritage, it is difficult to find lavish examples of Gothic or Baroque styles here. The city's appearance was formed under the influence of trade needs, the hot climate of the Saurashtra region, and the infrastructure ambitions of the rulers of the Junagadh princely state.

Historical Eras and Styles

Several key layers corresponding to different historical periods can be traced in the city's development:

• Junagadh Principality Period (First half of the 20th century): This is the time when modern infrastructure originated. Buildings of that era, including old administrative structures and elements of the transport network, are executed in a restrained style. Here, the influence of colonial utilitarianism can be traced, adapted to local materials—sturdy stonemasonry and arched constructions designed to ensure durability and coolness.
• Traditional Vernacular Architecture: In the old residential quarters, buildings typical of western India have been preserved. These are densely packed houses with internal courtyards, narrow facades, and flat terrace roofs. Such a style did not follow European canons but developed evolutionarily to protect against the scorching sun and dusty winds.
• Modern Functionalism (From the late 20th century): Economic growth turned Keshod into a city of concrete and glass. Modern architecture here is strictly functional: low-rise rectangular buildings predominate, where the ground floors are traditionally dedicated to commerce, shops, and warehouses, while the upper floors are for housing.

Iconic Structures and Layout

Keshod's urban structure is linear and develops along key transport arteries, which highlights its role as a logistics hub.

• Keshod Airport: The main architectural and historical landmark. Built in the 1930s on the initiative of the Nawab, it is a rare example of early aviation infrastructure in a small Indian city. Recent reconstruction added modern features to the terminal, but the historical context of the place remains a crucial element of the city's identity.
• Railway Station: The station serves as the historical core around which wholesale markets and trading rows have formed since the middle of the last century, defining the business rhythm of the city today.

Notable Personalities Associated with the City

The history of the city and its surroundings is inextricably linked with the names of rulers, freedom fighters, and entrepreneurs whose activities influenced the development of the entire Saurashtra region.

• Muhammad Mahabat Khan III — Nawab of Junagadh (1911–1948).
  The ruler of the princely state who played a key role in the city's infrastructural development. It was on his initiative that Keshod Airport was built in the 1930s, originally intended for the monarch's personal needs but subsequently becoming a vital transport hub for the region.
• Shamaldas Gandhi — Independence movement leader, politician.
  Nephew of Mahatma Gandhi and head of the "Arzi Hukumat" (Provisional Government of Junagadh). He led the popular movement which, in 1947, resulted in the overthrow of the Nawab's rule and the accession of the region, including Keshod, to the Indian Union.
• Dhirubhai Ambani — Entrepreneur, founder of Reliance Industries.
  Although the famous businessman was born in the neighbouring village of Chorwad, his youth and early career stages were closely connected with Keshod. The city served as his main transport hub (railway station and airport), connecting his home region with the wider world.
• Ruswa Majhalumi — Poet and Ruler of the Pajod Principality.
  Known by the pseudonym Imamuddin Murtaza Khan Babi, he was the ruler of the small principality of Pajod (in the immediate vicinity of the city). He became famous as a distinguished poet writing ghazals in the Gujarati language, and as a patron who supported the culture of the region.
• Thakarshi Dhanji Ladani — Politician, public figure.
  The first Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) elected from the Keshod constituency in 1962 after the formation of Gujarat state. He stood at the origins of the formation of the modern local self-government system in the city.
• Devabhai Punjabhai Malam — Politician.
  The current representative of the city in the state legislative assembly (elected in 2022). He is actively involved in issues regarding the modernisation of urban infrastructure and the district's agriculture.